IND vs SL schedule 2026 announced [Source: AFP]In a significant development, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the India tour of Sri Lanka schedule 2026 on Thursday, July 2. India's high-profile tour to the Island Nation comprises two Test matches, which will be played in Galle and Colombo. SLC unveils India tour of Sri Lanka schedule 2026According to the official schedule released by SLC, India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in two Test matches in August 2026. The India tour of Sri Lanka schedule 2026 reveals that the first Test of the two-match series will be played from August 15 to 19 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle. Meanwhile, the iconic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will host the second Test match from August 23 to 27. "The India National Men's Team will tour Sri Lanka in August 2026 to play a two-match Test series. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle. The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS), Galle, while the second Test will be played at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC)," the SLC stated in its official press release. India tour of Sri Lanka schedule 2026MatchSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableDateSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableVenueSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableIND Vs SL 1st TestSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableAugust 15-19SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableGalleSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableIND Vs SL 2nd TestSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableAugust 23-27SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableSSC, ColomboSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableIndia's WTC final hopes on the line before Sri Lanka seriesShubman Gill-led Indian Test team has had a topsy-turvy ride in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. India have played nine matches so far, winning only four of them to claim the fifth position with a PCT of 48.15. Although Shubman Gill's men recently defeated Afghanistan in a one-off Test at the Mullanpur Stadium, it couldn't earn them valuable points, as the fixture was not part of the current WTC cycle. Also Read: Pakistan Cricket Signs Historic Deal, Which Even India Didn’tSo, considering they are desperately searching for an unbeaten streak to keep their chances of entering the WTC final alive, India would be keen to decimate Sri Lanka on the upcoming tour. However, it could be a daunting task for India to do so, given that Sri Lanka have been a force to reckon at home, winning 11 of 21 matches in their backyard this decade. The Lankans have a formidable spin department, and considering the Indian batters have struggled on spin-friendly pitches at home, the Test series against Sri Lanka will be nothing short of a litmus test for them. Another factor that could make the India vs Sri Lanka Test series worth watching is their battle for supremacy in the WTC points table. The Lankans are placed just below India with a PCT of 44.44, and they will look forward to maximising their home advantage to stay alive in the race to the WTC final. How have India performed in Test matches in Sri Lanka?India will tour Sri Lanka for a Test series for the first time since 2017. The last time these two teams clashed in a Test series in Sri Lanka, the Indian team swatted aside the home team by 3-0. Overall, India have played 24 Tests, winning nine and losing seven, while the remaining fixtures have concluded in a draw. Also Read: Australian Cricketer Faces Jail For Child Sex Abuse At A School
